Stackable container systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing a stackable container are provided herein.

RELATED REFERENCES

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/867,522 filed onOct. 4, 2007, which application claims the benefit of priority U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/828,101 filed on Oct. 4, 2006, andProvisional Application No. 60/865,799 filed on Nov. 14, 2006, all ofwhich applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties for all purposes.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to containers, and more specifically,to systems and methods for providing a stackable container.

BACKGROUND

Spices have been used to prepare food essentially since humans startedcooking, and were some of the most valuable traded commodities in theancient and medieval world. Additionally, the need to open new routesfor spice trade catalyzed a widespread exploration of the continents.Today, spices are common and plentiful in developed nations, and thewide variety of spices creates a need for both professional and amateurcooks to store and organize their cooking ingredients.

A common kitchen has dozens of jars that contain spices, and these jarscommonly reside on racks, turntables, or shelves that allow somewhateasy access to the commonly overwhelming morass of containers.Unfortunately, such systems are undesirable and provide many problemsfor cooks. First, the spices are commonly stored in container volumesthat are too large, and the volumes stored cannot be completely usedwithin a reasonable amount of time, if ever. Although cooks wouldideally like to have large quantities of spices available so that theynever run out of ingredients, they also face the issue of spicespoilage. Even spices that are stored in sealed glass jars can spoil dueto oxidation, moisture, exposure to sunlight, bacteria, mold, or simpledecomposition, and it is preferable to obtain fresh spices frequently.Next, when cooking certain recipes, dishes or varieties of food, cookswill commonly use a selected set of spices each time. Current spiceorganization systems do not allow a user to easily configure sets ofspices to be used for specific cooking applications and the user mustinstead sort through all the stored spices each time the user cooks ameal, which is highly inefficient.

Stackable containers could be used to store and organize a plurality ofspices; however, existing stackable containers are undesirable becausethey are not adequately configured to hold and dispense all types ofspices. For example, many types of spices are powders or particulatematter that can cause a mess when used with conventional stackablecontainers because when conventional stacked containers are opened, thepowdered or particulate spices can easily stick to capping containers orcoupling systems and escape when the container is opened. Moreover,although current stackable containers provide some seal, they do notcommonly provide an airtight seal, which is preferable when a user wantsto keep the contents of the container fresh and unspoiled.

Additionally, each spice has specific dispensing and containing needsthat are not served by conventional stackable containers. For example,salt and pepper are commonly stored in containers that have lids withdifferent sized holes or a different number of holes—this is becausesalt is used more sparingly than pepper and needs to be dispensed at aslower rate than pepper. Additionally, many spices need to be leveledwhen used in conjunction with measuring spoons. In addition to not beingconfigured to level a measuring spoon, many of both stackable andnon-stackable containers known in the art are too small to be used withmeasuring spoons at all.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodimentsbut not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whichlike references denote similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a first and secondstackable container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of an assortment of container caps, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a container base, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of a container crown, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a container base, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a container base, in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of a measuring spoon, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a labeling band, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a labeling band, in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a containercoupling unit, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers and a container coupling unit, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers and a grinder, in accordance with an embodiment;and

FIG. 14 is top elevational view of a grinder in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a stackable container, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a stackable container, in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a stackable container inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is another side elevational view of a stackable container inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a top elevational view of a rim body in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of a lid in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a first and second stackable containerin accordance with an one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments presented herein include, but are not limitedto, systems and methods for providing a stackable container.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described usingterms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments describedherein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. Forpurposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurationsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of theillustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced withoutthe specific details. In other instances, well-known features areomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrativeembodiments.

Further, various operations and/or communications will be described asmultiple discrete operations and/or communications, in turn, in a mannerthat is most helpful in understanding the embodiments described herein;however, the order of description should not be construed as to implythat these operations and/or communications are necessarily orderdependent. In particular, these operations and/or communications neednot be performed in the order of presentation.

The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generallydoes not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms“comprising,” “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless thecontext dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers 100, in accordance with an embodiment. Theplurality of stackable containers 100 comprises a first, second, thirdand fourth container 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, which are stacked andinterconnected. Additionally, a container crown 150 is coupled to thetop of the first container 110A, and a container base 160 is coupled tothe bottom of the fourth container 110D.

The first container 110A comprises a first container rim 120A, a firstcontainer cap 130A, and a first container neck flange 140A. The secondcontainer 110B comprises a second container rim 120B, a second containercap 130B, and a second container neck flange 140B. The third container110C comprises a third container rim 120C, a third container cap 130C,and a third container neck flange 140C. The fourth container 110Dcomprises a fourth container rim 120D, a fourth container cap 130D, anda fourth container neck flange 140D.

FIG. 1 depicts the first, second, third and fourth container 110A, 110B,110C, 110D, which are coupled together. The first container 110A iscoupled to the second container 110B by the coupling of the firstcontainer rim 120A to the second container neck flange 140B; the secondcontainer 110B is coupled to the third container 110C by the coupling ofthe second container rim 120B to the third container neck flange 140C;and the third container 110C is coupled to the fourth container 110D bythe coupling of the third container rim 120C to the fourth containerneck flange 140D. Additionally, the container crown 150 is coupled tothe first container 110A by the coupling of the container crown 150 tothe first container neck flange 140A and the fourth container 110D iscoupled to the container base 160 by the coupling of the fourthcontainer rim 120D to the container base 160.

In one embodiment, there can be one or more container, and the one ormore container can be of any size, shape, form, configuration, texture,or the like. In a further embodiment, there can be one or more containerof equal size. In another embodiment, there can be one or more containerthat is different in size compared to one or more other container. Inone embodiment, there can be a plurality of containers, which can bestacked or coupled to each other in any order or configuration. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 a user can couple thefirst, second, third and fourth container 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D suchthat the containers are stacked and coupled such that the any of thefirst, second, third or fourth container 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D can beon the top, bottom, first from the top, or second from the top. In yetanother embodiment there can be a cover that covers one or morecontainer; for example, the container crown 150 can be absent and acylindrical cover can be configured to cover one or more container.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a first and secondstackable container 210A, 210B, in accordance with an embodiment. Thefirst container 210A comprises a first container rim 220A, a firstcontainer cap 230A, a first container neck flange 240A and a firstcontainer coupling orifice 250A, which is defined by the first containerrim 220A. The second container 210B comprises a second container rim220B, a second container cap 230B, a second container neck flange 240B,and a second container coupling orifice 250B, which is defined by thesecond container rim 220B. The first and second container neck flange240A, 240B, further comprise threads and the interior of the first andsecond container rim 220A, 220B further comprise threads. The first andsecond container 210A, 210B are exactly, roughly or approximatelycylindrical and the first and second container cap 230A, 230B, the firstand second container neck flange 240A, 240B, the first and secondcontainer rim 220A, 220B, and the first and second container couplingorifice are also exactly, roughly, or approximately cylindrical orcircular.

The first container 210A is coupled to the second container 210B bycoupling of the first container rim 220A to the second container neckflange 240B, which is achieved by first configuring the first container210A such that the second container cap 230B and the second containerneck flange 240B are within the first container coupling orifice 250A orcontacting the threads on the interior of the first container rim 220A.Next, the first and/or second container 210A, 210B can be twisted,rotated, screwed or spun such that the threads on the interior of thefirst container rim 220A couple or interlock with the threads on thesecond container neck flange 240B, and thereby couple the first andsecond container 210A, 210B.

In one embodiment, the first and second container 210A, 210B can becoupled by any system or method known in the art, including, but notlimited to, slot and pin, friction, an adhesive, Velcro®, interlockingflanges, tongue and groove, latches, hinges, or snap fit. In a stillfurther embodiment, any type or configuration of threads can be used tocouple the first and second container 210A, 210B. In another embodiment,there can be one or more container that can be coupled together, and theone or more container can be any size, shape, texture, configuration, orthe like Additionally, in a further embodiment, one or more containercan be made of one or more material, which can be any material,including, but not limited to, glass, plastic, ceramic, paper, wood,metal, textile, stone, or the like.

Additionally, the first and second container cap 230A, 230B are coupledto the first and second container 210A, 210B respectively, at the distalend of the first and second container neck flange 240A, 240Brespectively, which defines an opening or orifice that provides accessto the interior cavity of the respective container 210A, 210B. The firstand second container cap 230A, 230B can be coupled to the first andsecond container 210A, 210B by any means known in the art, including butnot limited to slot and pin, tongue and groove, friction, an adhesive,Velcro®, interlocking flanges, latches, hinges, snap fit, or the like.In one embodiment, one or both of the first and second container cap230A, 230B can be permanently or semi-permanently coupled to the firstand second container 210A, 210B respectively.

In one embodiment, the first and second container rim 220A, 220B definea the first and second container coupling orifice 250A, 250B, and thefirst and second container coupling orifice 250A, 250B are configuredsuch that when a container, 210A, 210B is coupled to either the firstand second container coupling orifice 250A, 250B, there is little or nospace between the container cap 230A, 230B and the bottom of thecontainer 210A, 210B. In a further embodiment, the bottom of a container210A, 210B can be configured to or can provide a seal for any orifice,hole, gap, or matrix that may be present in or on a container cap 230A,230B. In a further embodiment, there can be any material or systemaffixed or coupled to the bottom or top of the container 210A, 210B,such as a disk, ring, o-ring, or other gasket, seal, or the like, whichcan be configured to or can provide a seal for any orifice, hole, gap,matrix, or the like that may be present in or on a container cap 230A,230B, or which can be configured to provide a seal in, on or around thethreads of either the first or second container 210A, 210B.

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of an assortment of container caps, inaccordance with an embodiment, which includes a closure cap 300, ashaker cap 310, a door cap 320, a leveling cap 330, a wire shaker cap340, and a grater cap 350, which can be coupled, attached, or affixed,to one or more container as described herein. The closure cap 300 can becoupled, attached, or affixed, to one or more container so as to sealthe container.

The shaker cap 310 can be coupled, attached, or affixed, to one or morecontainer and facilitate a limited quantity, volume or size of matter toescape from the container. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, theshaker cap can define five holes or orifices that can allow particulatematter that is smaller than any of the five holes or orifices to escapethe internal cavity of a container. In one embodiment there can be oneor more orifice or hole that can be in any configuration, of any size,and of any shape.

The door cap 320 can be coupled, attached, or affixed, to one or morecontainer and can facilitate a limited quantity, volume or size ofmatter to escape from the container or can allow a user to seal thecontainer. The door cap 320 comprises a door or flap in the door cap320, which can be opened or closed. A user can open the door or flap inthe door cap 320 and use any tool, or not use a tool, to remove orinsert matter into the container, or a user can close the door or flapto prevent matter from escaping the container. The door or flap can beany size or shape and can further comprise a hinge and knob for opening.

The leveling cap 330 can be coupled, attached, or affixed, to one ormore container and facilitate a limited quantity, volume or size ofmatter to escape from the container or can facilitate the leveling of ascooping or measuring tool that is being used to extract matter from thecontainer. The leveling cap 330 comprises a rim and a cross-bar member,which defines two orifices. To level a scoop, spoon, or measuring spoon,can be inserted into the container, scoop matter into the tool andscrape the top edge of the tool across the cross-bar member to level orremove excess matter from above the plane of the tool. In oneembodiment, the cross-bar member can be any shape or size, and can be inany configuration such that leveling of a scoop, spoon or measuringspoon is possible. In a further embodiment, the cross bar member is aplanar member that is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the rimof the leveling cap 330.

The wire shaker cap 340 can be coupled, attached, or affixed, to one ormore container and facilitate a limited quantity, volume, or size ofmatter to escape from the container. The wire shaker cap 340 comprises arim and a plurality of wires that define a matrix, and the matrixdefines a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the matrix can beany size, shape, or configuration and the orifices defined by the matrixcan be any size, shape or configuration.

The grater cap 350 can be coupled, attached, or affixed, to one or morecontainer and facilitate the grating or shaving of matter, whereby it iscaptured in the one or more container. The grater cap 350 comprises aplurality of slits that are slightly raised above the plane of the cap.In one embodiment, the plurality of slits can be in any size, shape, orconfiguration. In a further embodiment, the grater cap 350 can comprisea Microplane® grater.

The assortment of container caps as depicted in FIG. 3 should not beconstrued to limit the number, type or configuration of container capsthat are within the scope of the present invention. Container caps ofthis type are well known in the art, and many other variations,configurations, or species of caps can be used in the present invention.In one embodiment, a user can put the same container cap on one or morecontainer, can put different container caps on one or more container, orcan put no container cap on one or more container.

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a container base 400, in accordancewith an embodiment. The container base 400 comprises a base body 410, abase coupling member 420, and a base groove 430, which his defined bythe base coupling member 420 and the base body 410. The base couplingmember 420 further comprises threads that extend into the base groove430, which facilitate the coupling of a container to the container base400. A user can insert the container rim of a container (Not show inFIG. 4) into the base groove 430, and then twist, turn, spin or rotatethe container and/or the container base 400 such that the threads on thebase coupling member 420 couple with the threads on the container rimand thereby couple the base coupling member 420 and the container. Inone embodiment, the container base 400 can be any size, shape, orconfiguration.

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of a container crown 500, inaccordance with an embodiment, which comprises a crown body 510 and acrown coupling orifice 520, which is defined by the crown body 510. Thecrown body 510 further comprises threads that extend into the crowncoupling orifice 520, which facilitate the cap crown 500 being coupledto a container. A user can insert the container cap and container neckflange of a container (Not show in FIG. 4) into the crown couplingorifice 520, and then twist, turn, spin or rotate the container and/orthe container crown 500 such that the threads on the crown body 510couple with the threads on the container rim and thereby couple thecontainer crown 500 and the container. In one embodiment, the containercrown 500 can be any size, shape, or configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a container base 600, in accordancewith an embodiment, which comprises a base body 610 and a plurality oftools 620. The plurality of tools 620 are a plurality of tools with arectangular handle, that can be slid, inserted or stacked within thebase body 610. In one embodiment, the plurality of tools can be aplurality of measuring cups or measuring spoons. In a still furtherembodiment, the plurality of tools can be tools, including, but notlimited to, a fork, spoon, knife, grater, ruler, screwdriver, wrench,pliers, roller, mallet, hammer, cutting board, wisk, tongs, spatula,awl, peeler, sifter, pizza cutter, bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew,or the like. In a yet further embodiment any type of tool can beconfigured to reside a container base 600.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a container base 700, in accordancewith another embodiment, which comprises a base body 710, a basecontainer 720, and a base container handle 730. The base container 720is a box that resides within the base body 710, which can contain anymatter, or nothing, including, but not limited to container caps ortools. In one embodiment, the base container 710 can be a box, bag, orany type of container and can be any size, shape or configuration.

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of a measuring spoon 800, in accordancewith an embodiment, which comprises a handle 810 and a spoon member 820.The handle 810 is a planar rectangular member, to which the spoon member820 is coupled at the approximate middle of the handle 810. Themeasuring spoon 800 can reside in the container base (Not shown in FIG.8) or be removed from the container base for use. In one embodiment,there can be one or more measuring spoon 800 that can reside in thecontainer base and be removed for use, which can be any measuring size,including, but not limited to 1/16 teaspoon, ⅛ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon, ½teaspoon, ¾ teaspoon, 1.0 teaspoon, 1.25 teaspoon, 1.5 teaspoon, 0.5tablespoon, 1.0 tablespoon, 1.5 tablespoon, 2.0 tablespoon and 2.5tablespoon. In one embodiment, the handle 810 and the spoon member canbe any shape, size or configuration.

In a further embodiment, there can be one or more nested measuring spoonor scoop that is configured to reside or be stored within a containerbase. The one or more measuring spoon or scoop can be any size, shape orconfiguration. In another embodiment, there can be one or more nested orun-nested measuring spoon that are coupled together and configured toreside within or be stored within a container base. In a still furtherembodiment, the handle 810 and the spoon member 820 can be any shape,size or configuration. In one embodiment, one or more measuring spoon orscoop can further comprise one or more magnet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a labeling band 900, in accordance withan embodiment and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further labelingband 1000, in accordance with another embodiment. The labeling band 900,1000 is an elastic band that can be stretched over a container andthereby label the container. The labeling band 900, 1000 can be made ofany material, including silicone, rubber, neoprene, nitrile, nylon, orthe like. In one embodiment, the labeling band 900, 1000 has beenimprinted with the name of one or more material that can be containedwithin a container. In a further embodiment, a user can imprint or writeon a labeling band 900, 1000. In yet another embodiment, a container cancomprise one or more dent, groove, slot, projection or other member inwhich one or more labeling band 900, 1000 can reside.

In one embodiment of the present invention, spices and other cookingingredients can be stored within a plurality of stackable containers.For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a different spice can be storedin each of the first, second, third, and fourth container 110A, 110B,110C, 110D, such as salt, pepper, cinnamon powder, and baking powderrespectively. A user can choose and configure each container cap 130A,130B, 130C, 130D to best suit the user's needs depending on the type ofspice being contained within a given container 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D.

For example, because salt is used relatively sparingly and is commonlyshaken out of a container when used, the user can choose or configurethe first container cap 130A to be a shaker cap 310 with a limitednumber of small orifices. Additionally, because pepper is used in agreater proportion compared to salt, and is also commonly shaken out ofa container, a user can choose and configure the second container cap130B to be a shaker cap 310 that has more orifices or larger orificesthan the first container cap 130A, which is on the first container 110A.Next, because cinnamon sticks must be grated to create cinnamon powder,a use can first choose a cap grater 350 and couple a grater cap 350 tothe third container 110C, grate a cinnamon stick over the grater cap 350and into the third container 110C, remove the grater cap 350, and thenchoose and configure a shaker cap to be the third container cap 130C.Finally, because baking soda is commonly used with measuring spoons, auser can choose and couple a leveling cap 330 onto the fourth container110D. A user can then use a measuring spoon to scoop an amount of thebaking powder out of the fourth container 110D and level the measuringspoon on the leveling cap 330 as the user draws the measuring spoon outof the fourth container 110D.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a containercoupling unit 1100, in accordance with an embodiment, which comprises afirst unit container coupling orifice 1110 and a second unit containercoupling orifice 1120. The container coupling unit 1100 is configurableto couple or join two stackable containers of different diameters. Asdepicted in FIG. 11, the base of a smaller stackable container can becoupled to the first unit container coupling orifice 1110 and thecontainer neck flange of a larger stackable container can be coupled tothe second unit container coupling orifice 1120.

In one embodiment a larger container can be coupled to first unitcontainer coupling orifice 1110 and a smaller container can be coupledto the second unit container coupling orifice 1120. In a furtherembodiment, containers of equal size can be coupled to the first andsecond unit container coupling orifice 1110, 1120 and the first andsecond unit container coupling orifice 1110, 1120 can be the samediameter. In a still further embodiment, the container coupling unit1100 can be configured to couple the base of a first and secondcontainer to the first and second unit container coupling orifice 1110,1120. In yet another embodiment, the container coupling unit 1100 can beconfigured to couple the neck flange of a first and second container tothe first and second unit container coupling orifice 1110, 1120. In oneembodiment the container coupling unit 1100 can couple two or morestackable containers, one or more container or one or more article ofmanufacture in any orientation.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers and a coupling unit 1200, in accordance with anembodiment, which comprises a first and second container 1210, 1230 anda container coupling unit 1220. As depicted in FIG. 2, the base of thesmaller first stackable container 1210 can be coupled to the first unitcontainer coupling orifice of the coupling unit 1220 and the containerneck flange of a larger second stackable container 1230 can be coupledto the second unit container coupling orifice of the coupling unit 1220,thereby coupling the first and second stackable container 1210, 1230

FIG. 13 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a plurality ofstackable containers and a grinder 1300, in accordance with anembodiment, which comprises a grinder 1310, a plurality of stackablecontainers 1320, and a container base 1330. The grinder 1310 isconfigurable to be coupled to the top of a stackable container at theneck flange, which is achieved by a coupling of threads in the bottom ofthe grinder 1310 to the threads on a neck flange of a stackablecontainer. The grinder can be coupled to a stackable containerregardless of what type of cap is one the container or if there is nocap coupled to the container.

In one embodiment a user can affix or couple the grinder to a stackablecontainer, configure the container such that the matter contained withinthe container can interact with the grinder 1310 and the matter can beground. In a further embodiment the grinder is actuated by twisting anouter shaft that is rotatably connected to an inner shaft. In a stillfurther embodiment there can be any type of grinder, in anyconfiguration, that can be affixed to the neck flange of a container. Inone embodiment the grinder 1310 is configured to be coupled to a rim ofthe container, where a cap would be coupled, or to any other area of acontainer. Grinders are well known in the art and one reasonably skilledin the art will immediately recognize the wide variety of grinders thatcould be configured to be coupled to a stackable container.

FIG. 14 is top view of a grinder 1400 in accordance with an embodiment,which depicts a grinder 1400 that comprises an outer shaft and an innershaft, the internal portion of the outer shaft and the exterior portionof the inner shaft having teeth that are configurable to grind matter.The grinder depicted in FIG. 14 is simply illustrative of a type ofgrinder that can be used in one embodiment and one reasonably skilled inthe art will immediately recognize the wide variety of grinders andconfigurations of grinders that will embody the spirit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a stackable container 1500,in accordance with one embodiment. The stackable container 1500comprises a lid 1505, a container cap 1510, a rim body 1515, a containerbody 1520, and a cover 1525. The lid 1505 comprises a first and secondlid coupling member 1530A, 1530B, and a lid nodule 1535. The rim body1515 comprises a rim 1540, a rim body coupling member 1545, and a rimbasin 1570. The container body 1520 comprises a container body lip 1550,a cover coupling 1555, and a container body flange 1560.

The rim body 1515 is configurable to be coupled to the container body1520 via the container body lip 1550. The rim body 1515 can comprise aslot or other structure to accept and hold the container body lip 1550and thereby couple the rim body 1515 and the container body 1520. In oneembodiment, any structure or system or combination thereof can be usedto couple the rim body 1515 to the container body 1520, including slotand pin, friction connection, a glue, a fastener, or the like. In afurther embodiment, the rim body 1515 can be permanently affixed orfused to the container body 1520, or the structures of the rim body 1515can be embodied in a container body 1520.

The container cap 1510 can be coupled to the rim body 1515, and therebyprovide a structure that can, limit, prevent or otherwise regulate thepassage of matter through the orifice defined by the rim 1540. Thecontainer cap 1510 can be coupled to the rim body 1515 by any method orsystem known in the art, including a cap coupling rim (as depicted inFIG. 19). As described herein, the container cap 1510 can be in anyshape and can comprise a wide variety of structures that can provide fora wide variety of functionalities. (see e.g., FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, matter can be contained in the container body 1520 ofthe stackable container 1500, and a user can extract a portion of thematter from the stackable container 1500. For example, where pepper isstored in the container, a user can open the lid 1505, and manipulatethe stackable container 1500 such that the pepper falls through pores orholes in the cap 1510, which is coupled to the rim body 1515. In oneembodiment, the rim basin 1570 can be used as a channel to direct thematter once it has passed through the cap 1510 or otherwise left thecontainer body 1520. In another embodiment, the lid nodule 1535 canreside in the rim basin 1570 when the lid 1505 is in a closed positionover the cap 1510 and/or the orifice defined by the rim 1540 of the rimbody 1515.

The lid 1505 can be coupled to the rim body 1515 via the coupling of therim body coupling member 1545 and the first and second lid couplingmember 1530A, 1530B. The coupling of the rim body coupling member 1545and the first and second lid coupling member 1530A, 1530B can create ahinge that allows the lid to open and close about the orifice of the rimbody 1515, which is defined by the rim 1540. In one embodiment, the rimbody coupling member 1545 can define one or more orifice thatcorresponds to and can couple with the first and second lid couplingmember 1530A, 1530B. In one embodiment, the lid 1505 can be coupled tothe rim body 1515 by any system or method known in the art. In a stillfurther embodiment, the lid 1505 can provide a seal around the orificeof the rim body 1515, which is defined by the rim 1540.

The cover 1525 can be coupled to the container body 1520. In oneembodiment, the there can be a first cover coupling 1555 and a secondcover coupling (not shown) that correspond to the cover 1525 andfacilitate the coupling of the cover 1525 to the container body 1520.For example the cover coupling 1555 can be a slot, rim, protrusion orother member that corresponds to the arms of the cover 1525 andfacilitate the coupling of the cover 1525 to the container body 1520. Ina still further embodiment, the cover 1525 can be any shape or size, andcan be coupled to the container body 1520 via any system or method knownin the art. In yet another embodiment, a sheet can be placed between thecover 1525 and the container body 1520 when the two are coupled, whichcan allow the sheet to be seen through the orifice defined by the cover1525. In one embodiment, the sheet can be a piece of paper, plastic,wood, or the like, and a user can create one or more marking on thesheet that can be seen through the orifice defined by the cover 1525.For example, a user can write a description of the contents of thestackable container 1500.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a stackable container 1600, inaccordance with another embodiment. The stackable container 1600comprises a rim body 1615, which comprises a rim 1640; a cover 1625; alid 1605, which comprises a lid nodule 1635; and a container body 1620,which comprises a container body flange 1660. The rim body 1615 iscoupled to a first end of the container body 1620, which is opposite tothe container body flange 1660 of the container body 1620. The cover1625 is coupled to the container body 1620 as described herein. The lid1605 is coupled to the rim body 1615 as described herein and provides aseal over the orifice defined by the rim 1640 of rim body 1615. The lid1605 is coupled to the rim body 1615 such that the lid 1605 can beopened and closed by rotation about a hinged coupling. The lid nodule1635 resides in a rim basin defined by a depression in the rim 1640, andcan be configured by a user to facilitate the opening and closing of thelid 1605.

In one embodiment, for example referring to FIG. 21, a first stackablecontainer 1600A can be stacked with a second stackable container 1600B.For example, the container body flange 1660A of a first stackablecontainer 1600A can correspond to an orifice defined by the rim 1640B ofa rim body 1615B such that the container body flange 1660A fits withinthe orifice. In one embodiment, the first container body flange 1660Acan contact the interior surface of the rim 1640B of the secondstackable container 1600B and create a friction coupling between thefirst and second stackable container 1600A, 1600B. In one embodiment, aplurality of stackable containers 1600 can be coupled together via anymethod or system described herein or otherwise known in the art. In afurther embodiment, stackable containers 1600 can be of any size orshape, and the stackable containers 1600 can be of different size orshape from other stackable containers 1600 within a stack.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a stackable container 1700, inaccordance with another embodiment. The stackable container 1700comprises a rim body 1715, which comprises a rim 1740; a cover 1725; anda container body 1720, which comprises a container body flange 1760. Therim body 1715 is coupled to a first end of the container body 1720,which is opposite to the container body flange 1760 of the containerbody 1720. The cover 1725 is coupled to the container body 1720 asdescribed herein.

FIG. 18 is another side elevational view of a stackable container 1800in accordance with one embodiment. The stackable container 1800comprises a rim body 1815, which comprises a rim 1840; a cover 1825; alid nodule 1835 of a lid; and a container body 1820, which comprises acontainer body flange 1860 and a cover coupling 1855. The rim body 1815is coupled to a first end, which is opposite to the container bodyflange 1860 of the container body 1820. The cover 1825 is coupled to thecontainer body 1820 by the coupling of the cover 1825 to the covercoupling 1855 as described herein.

FIG. 19 is a top elevational view of a rim body 1900 in accordance withone embodiment. The rim body 1900 comprises a rim 1940, a rim bodycoupling member 1945, a rim basin 1970, a rim body coupling member 1945,and a cap coupling rim 1980. In one embodiment, a cap (see, e.g. FIGS. 3and 15) can be coupled to the rim body 1900 by coupling the cap to thecap coupling rim 1980. In one embodiment, the cap coupling rim 1980 cancreate a friction fit coupling with the cap and thereby couple the capto the rim body 1900. FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of a lid 2000 inaccordance with one embodiment. The lid as depicted comprises a firstand second lid coupling member 2030 and a lid nodule 2035.

Additionally, although specific embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art and others, that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalentimplementations may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown inthe described without departing from the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein. This application is intended to cover any adaptationsor variations of the embodiment discussed herein. Therefore, it ismanifested and intended that the invention be limited only by the claimsand the equivalents thereof. While preferred and alternate embodimentshave been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosureof these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the inventionshould be determined by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A plurality of stackable containers comprising: a first stackablecontainer comprising: a first container body, the first container bodycomprising: a first body flange at a first container bottom end, and afirst rim body that defines a first orifice at a first container top endof the first container body, the first rim body comprising a first rim;and a first lid, wherein the first lid is coupled to the first rim body,and wherein the first lid is configured to cover the first orifice; anda second stackable container comprising: a second container body, thesecond container body comprising: a second body flange at a secondcontainer bottom end, and a second rim body that defines a secondorifice at a second container top end of the second container body, thesecond rim body comprising a second rim; and a second lid, wherein thesecond lid is coupled to the second rim body, and wherein the second lidis configured to cover the second orifice; and wherein the first bodyflange corresponds to the second rim and the first body flange andsecond rim are operable to couple such that the first body flangeresides within the second rim and couples therewith and covers thesecond lid; and wherein the second body flange corresponds to the firstrim and the second body flange and first rim are operable to couple suchthat the second body flange resides within the first rim and couplestherewith and covers the first lid; and wherein the first lid comprisesa lid nodule that defines a portion of the first rim when the first lidis covering the first orifice.
 2. The plurality of stackable containersof claim 1, wherein the first stackable container further comprises afirst container cap residing within the first orifice and covering aportion of the first orifice.
 3. The plurality of stackable containersof claim 2, wherein the first lid is operable to substantially abut thefirst container cap when the first lid covers the first orifice.
 4. Theplurality of stackable containers of claim 3, wherein the firstcontainer cap comprises at least one orifice, and wherein the first lidis operable to cover the at least one orifice and substantially blockthe passage of matter through the at least one orifice.
 5. The pluralityof stackable containers of claim 1, wherein the first body flange andsecond rim are operable to securely couple via friction fit; and whereinthe second body flange and first rim are operable to securely couple viafriction fit.
 6. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 1,wherein the first body flange is operable to substantially abut thesecond lid when the first body flange and second rim are coupled; andwherein the second body flange is operable to substantially abut thefirst lid when the second body flange and first rim are coupled.
 7. Aplurality of stackable containers comprising: a first stackablecontainer comprising: a first container body, the first container bodycomprising: a first body flange at a first container bottom end, and afirst rim body that defines a first orifice at a first container top endof the first container body, the first rim body comprising a first rim;and a first lid, wherein the first lid is coupled to the first rim body,and wherein the first lid is configured to cover the first orifice, andwherein the first lid remains coupled to the first rim body when open orclosed; and a second stackable container comprising: a second containerbody, the second container body comprising: a second body flange at asecond container bottom end, and a second rim body that defines a secondorifice at a second container top end of the second container body, thesecond rim body comprising a second rim; and a second lid, wherein thesecond lid is coupled to the second rim body, and wherein the second lidis configured to cover the second orifice; and wherein the first bodyflange corresponds to the second rim and the first body flange andsecond rim are operable to couple such that the first body flangeresides within the second rim and couples therewith and covers thesecond lid; and wherein the second body flange corresponds to the firstrim and the second body flange and first rim are operable to couple suchthat the second body flange resides within the first rim and couplestherewith and covers the first lid.
 8. The plurality of stackablecontainers of claim 7 wherein the first lid is coupled to the first rimbody via a first rim body coupling member.
 9. The plurality of stackablecontainers of claim 7 wherein the first lid is coupled to the first rimbody via the coupling of a first rim body coupling member and one ormore first lid coupling members disposed on the first lid.
 10. Theplurality of stackable containers of claim 9 wherein the rim bodycoupling member defines one or more orifice that corresponds to one ormore lid coupling member disposed on the first lid.
 11. The plurality ofstackable containers of claim 7 wherein the first lid is coupled to thefirst rim body via a hinge that allows the first lid to open and closeabout the orifice of the first rim body.
 12. The plurality of stackablecontainers of claim 7 wherein the first lid is non-removably coupled tothe first rim body.